4-Day Choquequirao Tour
Trip Description
Choquequirao is known as the “sacred sister” of Machu Picchu because of their strong architectural and spiritual similarities.
The classic 4-day trek to Choquequirao is one of the most challenging and impressive routes in Cusco and Peru. This journey offers diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and an authentic experience in the Andes.
Along the route, travelers pass through spectacular scenery, including the Apurímac River canyon, cloud forests, deep valleys, and beautiful Andean landscapes. Along the way, they can also see the Apurímac River and local wildlife, including the Andean condor, one of the region’s most iconic birds.
The route culminates with a visit to the impressive ruins of Choquequirao, an Inca archaeological complex still partially covered by jungle vegetation. Some itineraries also include camping in local communities, giving travelers an opportunity to learn about their customs and take part in everyday activities.
The classic 4-day, 3-night Choquequirao Trek offers a complete experience in the Andes of the Cusco region, ideal for those seeking adventure, history, and nature in a single trip.
This trek is recommended between March and December because of better weather conditions and a lower risk of heavy rainfall.
Tour Itinerary
Cusco - Capuliyoc - Chikisca
Pickup is at approximately 4:00 a.m. from your hotel in Cusco and we will head to the town of Cachora, arriving at approximately 9:00 a.m., when we will have the option to enjoy breakfast (optional). We will then continue to Capuliyoc (2,915 m above sea level), where we will meet the muleteer, who will load our equipment onto mules and horses. From here, we can enjoy an impressive view of the Apurímac Valley, surrounded by majestic snowcapped peaks such as Padreyoc and Wayna Cachora. We will then begin our descent toward Cocamasana (2,330 m above sea level), where the weather gradually becomes warmer. Finally, we will reach Playa Rosalina (1,550 m above sea level), where we will have lunch.
After lunch, we will continue hiking for approximately one more hour to Santa Rosa, where we will set up camp.
Day Details:
- Meals: Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodation: Campsite
- Lowest Elevation: 1,550 m above sea level
- Hiking Distance: 14 km
- Approximate Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Chikisca - Playa Rosalina - Maranpata
After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin a 2-hour-and-30-minute uphill hike to Maranpata, following the Chunchusmayo River. There, we will rest after the climb and enjoy the beauty of wildflowers and the presence of many bird species. From Maranpata, we will hike for 2 hours to reach the Choquequirao archaeological complex, where we can admire its grandeur and explore its most important areas. We will have lunch there in the afternoon before beginning our return to Maranpata, where we will camp. This will be the most demanding day.
Day Details:
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: campsite
- Maximum Elevation: 3,150 m above sea level
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty Level: challenging
Choquequirao - Chikisca
The third day will be unforgettable: we will witness a wonderful sunrise over the Apurímac River canyon. After enjoying an Andean breakfast, we will begin our return, descending to Playa Rosalina (Apurímac River), where we will have lunch. We will then hike uphill for an hour to Chiquisca, an oasis in the mountains that combines comfort and nature for a truly relaxing experience.
Day Details
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Accommodation: camping
- Minimum Elevation: 1,550 m above sea level
- Hiking Distance: 11 km
- Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours
- Difficulty Level: moderate
Chikisca - Capuliyoc - Cusco
After breakfast, we will begin our final adventure with a 3-hour uphill hike to Capuliyoc, an impressive viewpoint overlooking the Apurímac Canyon.
From Capuliyoc, our private transportation will take us back to the city of Cusco, bringing this wonderful experience to an end.
- Meals: breakfast and lunch
- Maximum Elevation: 2,850 m above sea level
- Hiking Distance: 8 km
- Estimated Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty Level: moderate
Included
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation: Cusco – Capuliyoc / Cachora – Cusco.
- Professional trekking guide.
- Meals during the trek: 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Cook during the trek.
- Camping equipment: tents, dining tent, kitchen, and utensils.
- Muleteers and mules to carry camping equipment and food.
- Admission ticket to Choquequirao, depending on the operator.
- First-aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen.
- Guided visit to the Choquequirao archaeological complex.
Not Included
- Breakfast on the first day.
- Dinner on the last day.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking poles.
- Personal riding horse.
- Snacks, additional beverages, or bottled water.
- Tips for the guide, cook, and muleteers.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Hotel in Cusco before or after the tour.
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
Included
- Bring your original passport.
- Acclimatize in Cusco for at least 1 or 2 days beforehand.
- Bring a small daypack.
- Wear broken-in trekking shoes, not new ones.
- Bring lightweight clothing for the day and warm clothing for the night.
- Bring a rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
- Use sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Bring insect repellent.
- Bring a headlamp.
- Bring cash in Peruvian soles.
- Bring a reusable water bottle.
- Be in good physical condition; the 4-day route is demanding.
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